A Study Of Initiation Theme In The Song Of The Lark

The Song of the Lark is regarded as Willa Cather?s extremely autobiographical work.It tells the story of Thea,a young girl from a small town,who keeps pursuing artistic success despite all kinds of setbacks and finally becomes a famous singer.This thesis attempts to discuss the theme of initiation in The Song of the Lark from the perspective of novel of initiation,together with the author?s life experiences.Based on the similarities between the protagonist of this novel and the author,this thesis intends to reveal Willa Cather?s ingenuity in depicting the growth of the protagonist.The thesis intends to explore the initiation theme in the novel from Thea?s experience in the three fields of career,gender and society.In vocation,Thea is troubled by popular culture.After an epiphany in Panther Canyon,Thea finds her direction and becomes an artist.In the field of gender,because of her female identity,Thea loses her freedom and self in the patriarchal environment.Later,with the help of her friends,Thea realizes economic independence,gets her self-consciousness awakened,and chooses the right thing in sexual test,becoming an independent woman.In the social sphere,Thea learns of the dangers of religious hypocrisy,racial discrimination,and money worship.She loses innocence and refuses to reconcile with society,becoming a rebel.In the growth process,Thea gets rid of the predicament caused by materialism,patriarchy,racial prejudice and religious hypocrisy,forming personal views on aesthetics and marriage,as well as the rebellious personality.Giving consideration to the author?s life experiences,this thesis points out that in this novel Thea actually lives like Cather.Thea?s growth and transformation are the expression of Willa Cather?s views on art,religion,race,materialism,and especially women?s pursuit of independence.It can be said that the theme of initiation in The Song of the Lark implies the author?s own understanding and insight into growth and life.The exploration of the initiation theme in The Song of the Lark is not only helpful to deepen the understanding of Willa Cather,but also helpful to deepen the understanding of Willa Cather?s other works.